Maritime Digitalisation: The Bahamas Maritime Authority rolled out a blockchain-based Digital Seafarer Record Book, replacing paper with tamper-resistant, verifiable sea-service credentials and authenticated discharge certificates. Regional Finance & Policy: Prime Minister Godwin Friday led The Bahamas delegation to the CDB’s 56th Annual Meeting in Nassau, with talks on climate resilience, debt sustainability, and the energy transition, while youth leaders held a Youth FIRE Forum on digital futures and climate action. Tourism Leadership: Bahamas Minister of Tourism Glenys Hanna Martin represented the country at Caribbean Week in New York, pushing connectivity, workforce readiness, and sustainable destination development. Labour & Industry Relations: Labour Week updates came from Minister Pia Glover-Rolle on progress in labour dialogue, while union leaders debated whether unionists should publicly back political parties. Housing & Construction Costs: Budget changes expanded first-time home buyer VAT relief to multi-unit dwellings and raised the qualifying ceiling, aiming to boost affordability for young buyers. Energy & Utilities: Bahamas Power & Light blamed recent New Providence outages on equipment faults, underground cable failures, and heat-driven demand, while upgrades are still targeted before end of June. Insurance & Risk Prep: Officials said the country can shelter about 14,000 people but still trails the global benchmark, and a new Parks and Beaches chair couldn’t promise staying within budget amid global price shocks. Cruise & Tourism Demand: Norwegian Viva’s Puerto Rico cancellation raised concerns about spillover losses, while Norwegian Cruise Line set Sept 4, 2026 for Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay. Local Economy Signals: Bimini’s major resorts warned of a weak summer, citing boating and occupancy softness tied to guest perceptions of fees. Conservation & Marine Research: FIU research using hundreds of underwater cameras suggests shark conservation in the Bahamas depends heavily on managing prey availability, not just protecting sharks. Culture: Cat Island’s Rake & Scrape Festival returns June 4-6 with live music, crafts, and the Battle of the Rake & Scrape Bands.